On July 15, 2003, a Bell 47G-5 (registration N7925J) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and low altitude flight when he failed to maintain altitude/clearance from the transmission wire. A factor contributing to the accident was the transmission wire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter performing aerial application maneuvers struck a transmission wire, causing severe vibrations and a descent. The aircraft impacted terrain on its skids and rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after impacting a transmission wire and the terrain during aerial application maneuvers. The pilot reported not seeing the transmission wire until it struck the windshield and deflected upward toward the main rotor blades.
Sequence of Events
Following the wire strike, the pilot stated that the helicopter began to vibrate severely and descend. The aircraft then impacted the terrain on its skids and rolled over onto its left side.
Aircraft Condition
The helicopter received substantial damage as a result of the impact with the transmission wire and subsequent terrain contact.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Jul 2003 Bell 47G-5 accident near Cleveland, MN?
A helicopter performing aerial application maneuvers struck a transmission wire, causing severe vibrations and a descent. The aircraft impacted terrain on its skids and rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 2003 involved a Bell 47G-5, registration N7925J, at Cleveland, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and low altitude flight when he failed to maintain altitude/clearance from the transmission wire. A factor contributing to the accident was the transmission wire.
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